Reopen Panchanahalli goshala, farmers urge

The Panchanahalli goshala, that had brought a relief to the farmers who were reeling under continuous drought, has been shut. The closure has inconvenienced the farmers in the drought-hit taluk.

The goshala was opened at APMC yard in Panchanahalli on April 26. Around 6,500 cattle not only from Kadur taluk, but also from Arasikere, Tumakuru, Chikkanayakanahalli and Hosadurga had taken shelter in the goshala.

The goshala was maintained by Art of Living, Bengaluru, for 90 days. A sum of Rs 2.30 crore was spent for maintaining goshala for 90 days.

As the contract for the maintenance ended, the goshala was shut on July 27.

Ten fodder banks have been functioning in the taluk since November 2016.

The district administration has spent Rs 1.76 crore for fodder banks.

Speaking to DH, Deputy Commissioner G Satyavathi said that the Animal Husbandry department officials have been directed to submit a report on the need for goshala in the district.

Shekarappa, a farmer from Singatagere said, “The monsoon has failed once again. We could not grow fodder. Goshala was needed during the time of hardship. The district administration should initiate measures to continue the goshala.” 

Zilla panchayat member K R Mahesh Odeyar said, “The goshala should have been continued. Another goshala should be started at Basoor Kaval.”